"We 've seed a good time fer onct in our lives," said Asia. It was
the first time she had spoken since they left the theater.

"Lemme ride up on top, ma!" demanded Billy, eagerly.

"Lemme, too, lemme!" came from the sleepy Australia, who did not
know what new attraction was being offered, but was resolved not to
miss anything.

"All right, Billy; but, Austry, you must stay with ma. Good-by, Mr.
Bob, and thanks--thanks fer one an' all!"

Redding stood on the corner where they had left him, and the smile
died out of his face. Within a block was a jolly crowd and a hearty
welcome; across the street was the big apartment house where his
dark and cheerless window promised him nothing. For a moment he
stood irresolute. "There is certainly nobody to care where I go," he
thought gloomily; then suddenly the smile came back. "But if I'm to
be Billy Wiggs's model, I guess I'd better go to bed." He ran
lightly across the street, and up the broad stone steps.



CHAPTER VIII

MRS. WIGGS AT HOME

"She had a sunny nature that sought, like
a flower in a dark place, for the light."